There are few people in the horse world that do not know the risks of buying an animal from the local monthly horse sales events at fairgrounds and farms and so forth. However, many believe that premium and regularly organized events are ideal to buy show and racing beasts.
These premium horse sales events seem to be a good source for purchasing quality and pedigree beasts. With the sale programs full of in detail description, show records and photographs, bidders fee they can bid with full confidence.
There is more assurance offered in many of these horse sales with independent health checks being conducted, inspections by in house vets, and even x-rays being conducted. With inspections before the sale invited, and even riding of the beast offered, it really does seem very good.
However, things do go wrong. Many attorneys are instructed to start proceedings following a horse sales event for a host of reasons. With such expense from these purchases, it is no surprise if something does not match up to expectations, but many of the charges are serious.
In many cases for example, the animal has pulled up lame after just a matter of days of the event. Further than this, there have bee instances of a roarer being bought, when this was expressly assured was not the case.
It is worth bearing in mind that sellers tend only to go to a horse sales auction having failed in their attempts to sell them privately. Whether this is due to their temperament, problems with a private vet check, or something else, it is worth bearing these tips in mind.
When looking at buying from a horse sales auction, reading the terms and conditions is essential. These will mostly center on the “as is” sales method, but certain vagaries will be found between each house.
There are certain factors which are protected though. Certain lameness for example are protected, whilst the selling of drugged animals is also prohibited. Should these develop after the sale, recompense is all but assured.
Inspecting the horse before purchasing is only sensible, and should be conducted carefully. Time should be spent with the animal, judging its character, its stance and so forth. Looking into the eyes, checking the flanks, looking for puffiness in the legs, noting any scarring is all important.
Checking the vet reports is only sensible of course, whilst buyers are always advised to have their own vet carry out checks wherever possible. Reading through any literature provided by the seller is important too; should a condition be mentioned here, a sale cannot be rescinded.
In the event that the sale needs to be rescinded by the buyer, having an understanding of the dispute procedure will be necessary. This includes understanding the time limit on lodging an appeal, and being able to commit to all the procedures necessary.
In most horse sales of course, there are no issues. If they do go wrong though, it can be a troublesome time. Checking the auction house, consignor and seller credentials is therefore important too.